The financial aspects of preparing for parenthood can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, navigating the journey doesn't have to be stressful. In this article, we'll provide financial advice for new parents, including essential steps like building an emergency fund, reviewing insurance coverage, and exploring childcare options. By following these proactive tips and using the valuable resources in this article, you can approach parenthood feeling confident and prepared to give your new child the best possible start in life.

Revisit Your Household Budget and Adjust Accordingly

Revisiting your budget and adjusting for the upcoming financial changes of parenthood will ensure you're equipped for this exciting new chapter. Expect an increase in expenses for essential items like diapers, formula, clothing, and healthcare. You may also need to factor in childcare costs if you or your partner plan to return to work outside the home. Creating a detailed baby budget can help you manage these new expenses effectively. HFCU offers many resources, including tips on how to create a budget and financial wellness tools, to assist you on this adventure in parenthood.

Go over Your Health, Life, and Disability Insurance Policies

Reviewing your health, life, and disability insurance policies is a crucial financial planning step for new parents.

  • Health insurance is key. Understanding your coverage for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care will give you peace of mind. Don't forget to add your new bundle of joy to your plan after delivery—most companies allow this within 30 days.
  • Life insurance can help secure your child's future. Consider how a life insurance policy could provide for your family financially, help pay for college tuition, or provide a gift for a future wedding.
  • Disability insurance provides a safety net. While employer-provided disability insurance is helpful, additional coverage will ensure your family's essential expenses are covered in case of an unexpected illness or injury.

Boost Your Emergency Fund for Peace of Mind

Building an emergency fund for unforeseen events is essential even before you have children. But a large part of financial planning for new parents means increasing your emergency fund to cover unexpected incidents plus all of the possible extras that a new addition can bring. Children thrive in a stable environment, so a robust emergency fund will keep your household running smoothly in the event of a job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected expense.

Pro tip: Maximize your emergency fund's growth with a high-yield savings account from Heritage Family Credit Union. Our competitive interest rates allow your money to grow while remaining accessible when you need it most.

Plan for Daycare and Other Childcare Costs

Childcare is a significant expense. Taking some time to explore your options and budget for childcare will help you make informed decisions for your family. There are many childcare options available, such as nannies, daycare facilities, in-home daycare providers, and even family members. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget when making this important decision. By planning ahead financially, new parents can find a childcare solution that works well for both the family and the budget.

Start Saving for Your Child's Future Education

Anyone who has ever had children can tell you that time seems to move even faster once they arrive. It's never too soon to start thinking about your child's future education. While scholarships, grants, and loans can help cover college costs, even a jumpstart on savings can make a big difference. HFCU offers a variety of savings options and resources, such as a college explorer tool, to help you reach your educational funding goals.

Pro tip: While saving for both college and retirement is ideal, unforeseen circumstances can arise. If prioritizing between the two, focus on retirement savings. Your child will have access to various financial aid options for college, but you won't be able to recoup lost retirement savings later in life.

Help Ease the Financial Burden With Tax Breaks

Fortunately, the government offers several tax breaks to help ease the financial burden for new parents. The Child Tax Credit, for example, can provide a significant tax credit per qualifying child. You may also be eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Credit to offset childcare costs. Consult with a tax advisor to get financial advice and ensure you're taking advantage of all the tax breaks available to you as a new parent.

Ensure Your Family's Future With Estate Planning

Welcoming a child is a joyous occasion, but it's also an important time to consider your family's future security. Having up-to-date estate planning documents, such as a will, healthcare directives, and power of attorney, provides confidence in knowing your wishes will be respected. These documents can also help avoid confusion and difficulty for your loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances. HFCU can connect you with qualified estate planning professionals who can guide you through this important process.


Heritage Family Credit Union is happy to help new parents with financial advice and guidance. Our call center agents and specialists are available at your local branch, via live chat, or in a live video format during business hours. You can also call us toll-free for assistance. Let's make your financial voyage into parenthood a smooth one!